By Lazlo
originally published: 08/05/2024
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Hubbell Benson, Tony Lio, Jason Brown, Bride Riot, Squirrel, Jazz 300, Mike Montrey Band, Psychiatric Metaphors, Sean Connolly, Mars Kushi, and Ciara Zwicker. Plus a look back at "Keep Calm" by September's Ghost.
Hubbell Benson - "Phantom Frequencies". Brothers Charlie and Sam Guarino formed Hubbell Benson in late 2022. According to their bio, "Their brand of rock is part Zombies faux-jazziness, part early Elvis Costello bite, dipped in the vibrant production touches of MGMT." That's all checks, but the real heart & soul of their debut EP, "Phantom Frequencies" is their combination of catchy hooks and lush harmonies. I love it!
Tony Lio - Nyx (Feat. Lupe Dragon). "Temptation can come in many forms", says the description for Tony Lio's latest single, "Nyx (Feat. Lupe Dragon)". It is a powerful indie-rock song, and the addition of Lupe Dragon on the song, pairs so well with Tony's vocals.
Jason Brown - "Dirt Ballads". Jason Brown is very open about Woody Guthrie's influence on his music, and even states that his new album "Dirt Ballads" was inspired by Guthrie's conceptual album, "Dust Bowl Ballads". The songs on Brown's album are short, fun, peppy, folk tunes.
Bride Riot - "Burn the Altar". Bride Riot isn't a pop-punk band. This is something they make abundantly clear on their EP, "Burn the Altar". This femme punk band has got an edge to them, and it is so good!
Squirrel - "Supersonic Summertime". I don't think I can describe Squirrel's new album any better than he does, "Supersonic Summertime eschews the indie rock sound of the last album in favor of catchy indie pop hooks, lo-fi psychedelic textures, baroque string arrangements, and reverb-drenched surf guitars. The ultimate soundtrack for all your beach days, roller coaster rides, and fireworks shows."
I will just add that I enjoyed it immensely!
Jazz 300 - "Jazz 301". Jazz 300 is not a jazz band at all. On their latest album, "Jazz 301", they have a collection of finely crafted indie-rock, foul of hooks, and jangly guitars.
Mike Montrey Band - "Love, Time & Mortality". If you are unfamiliar with Mike Montrey Band, then I suggest you rectify that with the new album, "Love, Time & Mortality". There is a beautiful soulfulness to their Alt-Country/Roots/Americana sound that is captivating and moving.
Psychiatric Metaphors - "DEEP BREAK". Sam Taylor is Psychiatric Metaphors, and the Psychedelic Garage Rock that he puts out under this moniker is incredible!
Sean Connolly - "On the Rocks EP". What do you get when you combine folk with upbeat acoustic rock, and a hint of punk rock attitude? You get Sean Connolly's, "On the Rocks EP". I will take it straight up, no glass, just play it into my ear holes.
Mars Kushi - "BE YOUR OWN HERO". Mars Kushi's bio states, "After Experimenting with Alternative Rock, Pop Punk and R&B Mars intends on pushing the envelope further and giving the world what they need to hear." On Mars's latest, "BE YOUR OWN HERO", an alt-R&B-soul sound is crossed with some hip-hop, into a compelling album.
Ciara Zwicker - "A Lack of Silence". It has been just over 5 years since Ciara Zwicker's debut album, "18", came out. I'd say her follow up is long overdo, but some artists rush to put out a new album too quickly without letting the songs develop. The songs on "A Lack of Silence" are fully developed, and wonderful alt-pop-rock songs!
Not New, But Memorable Corner
September's Ghost - "Keep Calm". Has it really been 11 years since September's Ghost's debut album, "Keep Calm" came out? Yes it has (though they remixed it and rereleased it in 2017). The album is chock full of catchy alt-pop-punk tunes! And buried in the midst of the album is "Dizzy", a stand-out acoustic/electric, sing-along, that showed early on that this band was not your typical pop-punk band.
That's all for this week.
Remember BlowUpRadio.com, plays these and many other New Jersey based artists on our internet radio station, so please check us out. #SupportGoodMusic - If you like any of the above artists, please purchase their music from their site. And if you would like to be part of BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable, please send downloads or contact Lazlo at Lazlo-at-BlowUpRadio-dot-com. We're also on Mastodon at https://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio
EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
Middletown Arts Center presents Reina Williams + The Remedy
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center presents a concert featuring Reina Williams + The Remedy on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Special guest performers Renee Maskin and Patrick Bamburak will open the show. Enjoy an evening of original music spanning reggae, hip-hop, soul, folk, Americana, and indie rock from some of New Jersey's most talented musicians. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Harmonium Choral Society presents "I Dreamed Last Night" on July 23rd
(MADISON, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Harmonium Choral Society presents I Dreamed Last Night. Directed by Lennie Watts with music direction by John Fischer, I Dreamed Last Night is a one woman show with Gloria Bangiola. There are songs and stories about dreams, hopes, wishes, ambitions, fantasies, nightmares, impossibilities and that big ol' American one we are all still working to make real. Showtime is 7:00pm.
HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.
Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Two River Theater presents Tiny Room Concerts with Joe Iconis
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater presents Tiny Room Concerts w/ Joe Iconis, a concert series offering audiences an up-close and personal experience with one of musical theater's most celebrated songwriters. The series takes place July 23-25, 2026 in the Victoria J. Mastrobuono Library at Two River Theater.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
FEATURED EVENTS
